ED Wellbeing volunteers make a huge difference to isolated patients

A team of Wellbeing volunteers were implemented into the Emergency Department (ED) at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to explore a range of therapeutic interactions, with a goal to reduce patient anxiety. With previous identification that volunteers can make a huge impact on long-term patients with mental health conditions throughout the wards and departments within the hospital, this role was a welcomed addition to the Trust.

Since the role was introduced, the team of volunteers have accumulated over 1,500 hours, supporting patients and staff to enhance patient experiences. This team have been supportive, caring, compassionate and motivated to make a difference to others. Their approach to improving wellbeing of patients and individual patient journeys has been admirable. With a goal to explore careers in the NHS, this group of volunteers have had many successes including moving into further education settings, trying new volunteer roles and in some cases, successful employment within this Trust and outside the organisation.

By implementing Wellbeing volunteers within ED, we found a marked reduction in anxiety, distressed behaviours, confusion, and feelings of loneliness for some of our patients. It has been identified, since implementing this role, that there is a huge benefit to increased patient interaction. Spending time with our volunteers allows patients to feel safe to speak about their problems and gives them an opportunity to feel less isolated. Communication between volunteers and patients has lead to interventions and referrals that will improve the health of patients and have a positive impact on their wellbeing. ED Patient experiences have been enhanced through therapeutic interaction with our wellbeing volunteers.

They are perfectly placed to report any concerns and support the wellbeing of patients in an often very busy environment. Staff are unable to spend ‘quality’ time interacting with patients, which is why the wellbeing volunteer role is invaluable to the ED service. The Volunteers gain important skills and ward-based experience whilst supporting patients which will help them develop within their own individual career journey. We hope that their experiences will allow them to enter the working world, whether that be in healthcare or any other profession. The feedback gained from this role has been positive, heart-warming and at times, thought provoking. All information that we have gathered has shown that the volunteers have created a supportive and beneficial role which will be continued within the Therapeutic Care Team’s vision for moving forward our volunteering experiences. We are very proud of this team of volunteers and thank them for every contribution that they have made and continue to make to our patients.

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